After graduating, I began work in electrical engineering. Having time on my hands after finishing my undergraduate degree, I returned to the University of Toronto part-time to get a Masters of Engineering (M.Eng.) degree from the Faculty of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. I studied a variety of fields including custom power controllers, project management, product design, maintenance management, environmental law and alternative energy systems. My graduate research about energy storage technologies was published in the proceedings of a national IEEE conference. In addition to my Masters of Engineering degree, I also received a certificate in Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation and Technology in Engineering (ELITE) and a certificate for completing the Collaborative Program in Environmental Engineering and Energy Systems. I was proud to be profiled by my undergraduate program in this article.

Finishing the CN Tower Stair Climb for the first time in 46:43, October 26, 2008

After finishing school, I found I had much more time on my hands. Although this is when I started running, it is not where my fitness journey begins. Several years before I joined a group of co-workers to climb the CN Tower. Years of sedentary and unhealthy living as a student bookworm meant I was overweight and dangerously unfit. I felt embarrassed by my very poor performance in that year’s stair climb. My journey started shortly after that stairclimb with improved diet and regular trips to the gym.

I regret not taking care of my health for so many years. However, I know that I was not too late to start. I’m what some would call an adult-onset athlete. I now really enjoy the structure of training and the rewards of race day! I also appreciate the additional benefits of weight loss, more energy, improved physical appearance, confidence and ability to do amazing things are great bonuses. I was even a marathon instructor with my local Running Room!

Outside of running, I’m a big nerd at heart. I grew up watching Star Trek. Some days I imagine that the electrical substations I work on are the engine room of the Enterprise. It’s not exactly, but it’s close enough for me without going into space. I am also a fan of Star Wars, Warhammer 40k, Power Rangers and the Dragon Age series of video games. My favourite Pokémon is Bulbasaur.

I avoid caffeine and artificial sweetners. I have enough toxins to flush from my body.

Disclaimer:

I’m not a medical doctor, personal trainer, kinesthesiologist, chiropractor, anthropologist, nutritionist, dietician or expert in any fitness or medical field. All the information on this blog should be considered my amateur opinion rather than medical or technical advice or fact.

3 Comments »

Paul, I can’t tell how many followers you have but I’m including you anyway!
I’ve been nominated for Liebster Award and wanted to pay it forward by nominating your blog for one too!

The Rules:
1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Answer the 11 questions the person giving the award has set for you. <—-on my blog http://breakingmyrunnersin.blogspot.ca/2012/10/liebster-blog-award.html
3. Create 11 questions for the people you will be giving the award to.
4. Choose 11 people to award and send them a link to your post. Go to their page and tell them.
5. No tag backs.